35 Celebs Who Have Distanced Themselves From Hollywood

First on our list of top celebrities who (more or less) disappeared from the spotlight is well-beloved child star, Macaulay Culkin. Once in the center of attention and probably one of the highest-paid child stars ever, the Home Alone actor basically disappeared after the blockbusters' release. Despite several major wins and even a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, the young and promising actor felt constantly overwhelmed and under the media's radar. This led to substance abuse issues and frequent anxiety attacks. After 28 years, though, Macaulay recently recreated several Home Alone scenes as Kevin McCallister in advertisements for Google. We were not surprised to find out that the video quickly became viral!

American actor and filmmaker Josh Radnor is currently number 2 on our list. From 2005 to 2015, he played Ted Mosby, an architect living in New York who told his kids the story of events that led him to meet their mother throughout the nine seasons of How I Met Your Mother. Afterward, Radnor continued to be cast in other TV series, such as Mercy Street (2016 - 2017), Rise (2018), and Hunters (2020), but no other role has surpassed the ever-optimistic and funny guy, Ted. But he keeps his private life to himself, and tries to stay out of the media's spotlight.

This cute English boy received the lead role of the first Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. This happened in 2000, and he was only 11 at the time. He continued to play Harry Potter in the next seven movies that were released. The beloved series ended in 2011, with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2. What has Daniel been doing ever since, though? No other roles as young boys hunted by Dark Lords became available, so Radcliffe has been focusing his attention mainly on theater. Much to many critics' pleasant surprise, he took on many roles in both Broadway and off-Broadway plays and delivered great performances.

One of the most sarcastic characters on screen, Dr. Gregory House, was brought to life by the English actor, singer, and musician Hugh Laurie. The highest point of his career so far was reached during the medical drama series, House (2004 - 2012). This was a role for which he received countless awards and nominations, including two Golden Globes. God poured out a great deal of talent when creating Laurie, because he also plays the piano, guitar, drums, harmonica, and saxophone. Ever since the phenomenal success of House, the brilliant actor has had several other roles, such as his role in the American comedy TV series, Veep, but his appearances were sporadic.

Jessica Simpson is an American singer whose first album was released in 1999. It was intended to be an album focused on anti-sex appeal, which was in contrast to other pop albums released at the time like those by Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Even though her album sold over four million copies, the numbers were not good enough for her record company. Jessica turned her attention towards fashion pursuits, and, in 2005, she launched a fashion line called The Jessica Simpson Collection. The brand is considered to be one of the most successful brands founded by celebrities.